Abdullah Osman, 31, of Brunswick Street, Carlisle, has been given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for one year, after riding an unlit electric bike the wrong way along the M6.
He was stopped by police near Carlisle after motorists reported seeing him travelling against traffic on 12 December at about 00:30 GMT. The court heard Osman was riding without a licence, insurance, lights, reflective equipment or protective gear between junctions 43 and 44.
District Judge Philip Holden told Osman: "The standard of your driving was exceptionally poor, and you put yourself and other road users at risk."
Osman admitted dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and no insurance. He was also fined £400 and banned from driving for 18 months, and must pass an extended test before obtaining a licence.